Mark held the sword tightly, his anger propelling him into the sky. Below, he caught a glimpse of the hunters, their figures small against the ruins. "Aeliana," another hunter called out, curiosity and concern in his voice, "what are you looking at?"
Aeliana hesitated before replying, her voice steady despite the incredulity she knew would follow. "There was an angel here."
The other hunter, surprised, asked, "What would an angel be doing in the ruins?"
Aeliana refused to back down, insisting, "I saw one. I'm sure of it."
Another hunter from their team, Callum, chimed in as they trudged through the crumbled remains of what once was a grand building. "There are no angels in the ruins, Aeliana. Just us and the demons." He checked his gear absentmindedly, his sharp gaze scanning for any lingering threats.
"But the Minotaurs were summoned here, weren't they?" Aeliana shot back defensively. "If they can respond to some dark call, why not an angel? They were guardians once."
The group fell silent as their footsteps echoed through the crumbling halls. The eerie silence of the ruins enveloped them.
---
Aeliana's family boasted a storied legacy within the hunter community, their lineage marked by legends of valor and extraordinary feats against the forces of darkness. Generations of her ancestors had etched their names into the annals of history through their unparalleled prowess in combat and mastery of mana manipulation. From a tender age, Aeliana was immersed in rigorous training, absorbing the ancient techniques and secrets passed down through her bloodline.
Her father, a revered hunter known for his formidable skill and unyielding courage, had led numerous perilous expeditions into the most treacherous regions, his name becoming synonymous with bravery and unparalleled expertise. Tales of his exploits were whispered with reverence and awe, casting a long shadow under which Aeliana had grown.
The weight of her heritage bore heavily on Aeliana, a constant reminder of the expectations she was bound to fulfill. Yet, this burden also ignited an unrelenting determination within her, a fierce resolve to prove herself worthy of the illustrious family name. As she grew older, Aeliana's natural talent for mana manipulation began to shine through. Her instructors marveled at her ability to weave complex spells with an ease that belied her years. She excelled in both offensive and defensive magic, her versatility marking her as a prodigy among her peers. Every battle she fought, every creature she vanquished, was a step toward carving her legend in the hallowed chronicles of her lineage. She was not just striving to meet the expectations placed upon her but to surpass them, forging a path that would honor her ancestors and solidify her place among the greatest hunters of all time.
---
As they broke through the final threshold of the ruins, the blue sky met them, vibrant and stark against the desolation of the stone. They stepped past the border patrol without incident, their minds already on the report they would have to file. The city buzzed with life as they approached the imposing structure of the National Hunter Agency. Its glass facade reflected the midday sun like a shield against the threats that lurked beyond the walls. Aeliana felt more at home in its presence despite how daunting it appeared. It was a sanctuary for those who battled darkness.
Inside, the air hummed with energy, and the familiar scent of polished wood and parchment greeted them. Hunters of all ranks milled about, exchanging reports and strategies. The hustle and bustle of the agency contrasted sharply with the desolation they had just left behind. Aeliana's heart raced as they entered the briefing room, the file on their latest mission waiting to be processed.
"Team 7 reporting," Callum spoke decisively. He handed their written report to the clerk. "Two Minotaurs neutralized—"
"And a potential sighting of an angel," Aeliana interjected, her voice firm. The clerk stared at her, disbelief etched on her face.
"Are you sure?" the clerk asked, her pen hovering over the form, weighing the gravity of what they were saying. "You realize this could change everything," she finally responded, excitement edging her skepticism. "Angels haven't been seen for years."
Aeliana nodded firmly. "That's exactly why we need to investigate further. There's a reason they were there, and if the Minotaurs were drawn to it…" She trailed off, letting her words dangle in the air.
The clerk looked between the two hunters, her brow furrowed in thought. "Fine. Let me get you in front of Director Hastings. If anyone can rally support for this, it's her." With a decisive nod, she slid the report into the 'urgent' folder without hesitation and exited the room.
---
The well-lit meeting area felt vibrant, yet Aeliana could hardly concentrate. The conversations of other hunters faded into a dull roar while her mind raced with possibilities. Angels, after all, were symbols of guidance and hope. But were they truly benevolent, or might they bring deeper chaos?
Tension crackled in the air while they awaited Director Hastings. Aeliana paced slightly, her thoughts vying for dominance: the rogue Minotaurs, the surge of energy she had felt as they approached the ruins, and now the angel, looming like a destined revelation.
As they waited, Aeliana's mind wandered to the stories she had heard about Director Hastings. The woman was a legend in her own right, having risen through the ranks of the Hunter Association with a combination of strategic brilliance and unparalleled combat skills. It was said that she had single-handedly held off a demonic incursion at the Battle of Crimson Peak, her mastery of advanced mana techniques turning the tide when all seemed lost.
After what felt like an eternity, the door swung open, and a poised woman with silver-streaked hair appeared. Director Hastings had a commanding presence, dressed in her customary tailored suit that shimmered with authority. "Team 7," she greeted, golden eyes pinning them with an intensity that could slice through steel. "I've read your initial report. I need details. Now."
Aeliana took a deep breath, steadying herself before recounting the events of their mission. She described the battle with the Minotaurs in detail, emphasizing the unusual surge of energy they had felt upon entering the ruins. Then, with careful precision, she related her sighting of the winged figure in the sky.
As she spoke, Aeliana couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Director Hastings' expression. The initial skepticism gave way to intense curiosity, and then to a look of deep contemplation. It was clear that the Director understood the potential ramifications of this report.
"An angel," she mused, folding her arms, her fingers tapping in thought. The Director explained to them how centuries ago humans demanded freedom from the angels and the angels all left. She paused, her eyes focusing on Aeliana with laser-like intensity. "The angels' departure reshaped our world in ways we're still grappling with. Their absence left a void that many have sought to fill – some with noble intentions, others with far more sinister motives."
She turned to Aeliana. "You're certain of what you saw?"
Aeliana nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Absolutely."
The Director regarded her solemnly for a moment, the tension palpable. Finally, she leaned in, her voice low. "Then we will investigate this sighting, but I will not plunge our Guild into chaos without certainty. You will lead the investigation. Callum, you will support her."
Surprise washed over both hunters, yet Aeliana felt a surge of vindication swelling within her—a chance to uncover the mysteries that lay buried in the shadows of their history.
Director Hastings straightened, resolving to harden her features. "Prepare yourselves. We need to approach this with caution. If angels are indeed returning, we must be ready for what that may entail."
With her words resonating in the charged air, Aeliana and Callum exchanged a glance, both realizing they were standing on the precipice of something extraordinary, the weight of destiny settling upon their shoulders in a way they couldn't yet comprehend. The quest for answers beckoned them forward, into a realm where the lines between legend and reality blurred, and the chance for a new beginning lingered just out of reach. The legends of the past were stirring, and so too was their adventure just beginning.